How often should over-60s have their eyes tested?

Most people over 60 should have an eye test every two years — and every year if you're over 70, living with diabetes, or have a family history of glaucoma. But in our experience of visiting patients at home, the honest answer is simpler: if you can't remember your last eye test, it's time to book one.

Why routine tests matter more as we age

Eyes change slowly. The conditions that affect older eyes — cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration — creep in over years, not weeks. A routine test catches them long before they start affecting daily life.

• Cataracts — clouding of the lens; very treatable when caught early.
• Glaucoma — often has no symptoms until sight has already been lost.
• Macular degeneration — the UK's leading cause of sight loss.

The patients we worry about aren't the ones with thick glasses — they're the ones who haven't had a test since they stopped driving.

Can't get to the high street? We come to you

If getting to an opticians is difficult — because of mobility, health or caring responsibilities — you may qualify for an NHS-funded eye test at home. It's the same test and the same equipment, just at your kitchen table.

Request a callback or phone us on 0800 080 6095 — we'll check your eligibility in a two-minute call.